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Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Houston Public Media documentary and live Town Hall broadcast on June 23 explores how 1991 “gay bashing” murder changed Houston

HOUSTON – (June 15, 2016) – In a project that began before the tragedy in Orlando, Houston Public Media is exploring the aftermath of the 1991 tragic “gay bashing” murder of 27-year-old banker Paul Broussard in Montrose through a documentary and live televised town hall discussion airing during Houston Pride Week on June 23 at 8 p.m. on TV 8 and online. “A Murder in Montrose: The Paul Broussard Legacy” marks the 25th anniversary of this high-profile murder with a look back at how the event sparked major changes in Houston impacting politics, victims’ rights and community activism.

Arts and culture senior producer Ernie Manouse will host the live town hall discussion following the documentary, where audience members and panelists will share their perspectives, explore how Houston has changed in the aftermath and talk about where we are today, particularly in light of the recent violence in Orlando.

“After the Broussard murder, the Houston community, both gay and straight, came together – lives were changed and the city changed,” said Manouse, producer of the documentary. “Now, 25 years later, we wanted to take a historical look at what activism resulted, how victims’ rights changed, who entered politics and who helped to create change in the city.”

Manouse interviewed a wide variety of sources for the documentary including former mayor Annise Parker, longtime community activists Ray Hill and Jack Valinski, victim’s rights activist Andy Kahan and state representative Garnet Coleman, among others.

Houston Public Media’s News 88.7 public affairs show “Houston Matters,” which airs weekdays at noon, will examine the history of activism in Houston on June 22 and will discuss the documentary with Manouse on June 23. Houston Public Media is also inviting community members to share their perspectives and memories of the time on social media using the hashtag #Montrose1991.

More details about the documentary, bonus material, and online content from community members will be available on amurderinmontrose.org, which will launch in conjunction with the broadcast.

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Public Media)